Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for absorbing seismic energy to prevent non-linear displacement in a structure. A seismic damper according to embodiments of the present invention includes a flat plate which can be perforated to include a plurality of apertures and/or cut-outs. A central aperture is formed in the flat plate and one or more cut-outs are formed along outer edges of the flat plate. The area of the flat plate between the aperture and the cut-outs forms one or more nodes on which stresses from seismic activity are focused, and which can deform to absorb energy, thereby reducing or preventing non-linear displacement of a brace system to which the seismic damper is attached. The nodes are located at the intersection between one or more tabs, the tabs being arranged to be connected to braces within the brace system.

Abstract: An arrangement for the cooling of computer data centers. More particularly, the arrangement eliminates the problems present in the uneven or inadequate cooling of computer racks due to unwanted airflows, which are encountered between so-called hot aisles and cold aisles present in a computer data center. Specifically, this problem is solved through the provision of partitions which, under normal circumstances, prevent the unwanted airflows by standing in a vertical orientation, yet which, in the event of a fire, collapse from the vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, thereby avoiding interference with water sprays from sprinkler heads, and thus complying with fire codes and ordinances. Moreover, also employed is a method of preventing the unwanted air flows by utilization of the novel arrangement comprising the fire-code-compatible, collapsible partitions.

Abstract: A roofing system, including at least one composite roof batten structured and arranged to support roof tile over a roof structure. The composite roof batten includes a substantially rigid low-density core, an upper reinforcing layer structured and arranged to reinforce the substantially rigid low-density core, and a lower reinforcing layer structured and arranged to reinforce the substantially rigid low-density core. The composite roof batten having at least one channel structured and arranged to assist the passage of moisture and air therethrough under the roof tile.

Abstract: A method of mounting elements inside a wind generator tower which is made from various different sections of metal. Elements such as ladders, platforms, and electric cables are fixed to auxiliary supports such as beams or rings which are in turn fixed to the above-mentioned sections so as not to reduce the fatigue strength thereof.

Abstract: A framed window screen formed from four (4) rails which each include a channel, a wide groove and a narrow groove and are each cut at a forty-five degree (45°) angle at the terminal ends. A durable, sturdy corner connector joins each rail one to another, which may be molded from a durable polymeric material having an L-shaped member, a groove support and a stanchion. The groove support is V-shaped and joined to the L-shaped member by a rib. Each end of the L-shaped member of the connector is inserted into adjacent rail channels with the groove support positioned in the wide grooves of the adjacent rails. Once the screen frame is assembled using the connectors, a suitably cut screen wire can be placed over the frame with the edges proximate the narrow groove whereby a rubber seal is inserted to maintain the screen in the narrow groove by friction.

Abstract: A pool leveling system uses a threaded bolt that interacts with a support surface to alter the vertical alignment of the individual wall panels used to construct a modular swimming pool. The threaded bolt is coupled to the wall panels through a mounting bracket attached directly to a flange on the wall panel or indirectly through a frame used to support the wall panels. The mounting bracket is preferably a substantially C-shaped bracket having a hole adapted to receive the threaded bolt. The vertical alignment of the wall panels is adjusted by advancing or retracting the threaded bolt with respect to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and threaded bolt are left in place and encased in concrete when the pool installation is complete.

Abstract: A burial vault base assembly. The assembly includes a front piece, back piece, and first and second side pieces that are connected to one another at a plurality of joints using C-shaped connectors. These pieces form an exterior shell around an interior piece wherein concrete is poured therebetween to form a burial vault base wherein the C-shaped connectors prevent the concrete from breaking at the joints and protruding at the joints.

Abstract: A peak gusset for securing a safety line for a workman, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The gusset is a substantially planar plate including an attachment region, a coplanar anchor portion and bendable flaps. A plurality of teeth extends from the attachment region and into the side of a truss member adjacent the peak. The anchor portion extends laterally beyond the peak and a hole defined therein receives the security line. The hole is disposed above an upper surface of the truss member and vertically beneath the peak. The gusset is non-removable and does not need to be cut down before a ventilation cap is applied thereover. A pair of peak gussets can be secured on either side of a truss and a connector member for attachment of the security line can extend between peak gussets on adjacent trusses.

Abstract: A structural support member for use in a roof deck system that is supported on an upper surface of a roof deck support structure. The primary embodiment comprises a substantially vertical outer segment, a substantially horizontal lower segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal upper segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal intermediate segment connected to the outer segment between the upper and lower segments, and a substantially vertical inner segment connected to the intermediate segment and the lower segment. The lower segment is secured to the upper surface of the support structure and supports a metal deck. The upper, intermediate, and outer segments form a C-shaped cavity for receiving the end of a barrier material, such as insulation or concrete, which is supported on the metal deck. The lower, intermediate, inner, and outer segments form an elongated channel that preferably has a plurality of vent holes therethrough.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed are apparatus and methods for forming firestopped through-penetrations in poured concrete partitions. The apparatus and methods use an intumescent firestop ring that can be used in combination with a removable sleeve. The firestop ring is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve form, near one end of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and concrete poured around it. After solidification of the concrete the sleeve can be removed to provide a through-penetration containing the firestop ring, secured to the solidified concrete. The firestop ring may optionally comprise one or more retainers and/or one or more insulating spacers.

Abstract: A window for installation in a sandwich composite beam, notably a ski, that consisting of a window body installed in the composite beam and a tab which forms a structural connection between the window body and the composite beam. The window body protects the composite beam core from moisture and maintains the structural integrity of the beam across the opening of the window. The structural window also provides a platform for an imaging system for measuring speed and displacement.

Abstract: Interference between a television main body and an obstacle can be suppressed when the main body is turned in horizontal directions, and damage of the television main body and the obstacle can be prevented.

Abstract: A building form that uses two building panels made of a rigid board and rigid insulation are supported by light gauge framing members and integrating two adjacent building panel molds forming a ribbed chamber into which concrete can be poured. The building panels when jointed together form a depression within the mold panel for a concrete rib when concrete is poured over the building panels. In addition, each of the building panels when separated by another fire resistant board thereby forming a space between the panel molds forming a wider forming mold which becomes an integral part of the building panel. The separated building panels also allow for mechanical means to be distributed. Additional forming means can be added for a wider and deeper forming structure. Several different transverse support beams can be used to increase the panel mold structural strength.

Abstract: A slab is fabricated of concrete positionable adjacent to a side wall of a manufactured home. The slab has a periphery. The periphery forms a lower flange. A dome is positioned upon the slab. The dome has a flat face. The flat face is positionable in contact with the side wall. The flat face is formed with an opening in facing contact with the side wall. The dome has a peripheral flange remote from the opening. The peripheral flange of the dome is concentric with and smaller than the peripheral flange of the slab.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a privacy booth comprising at least two partition members having first and second terminal ends; and at least two linking members having first and second opposed ends, each second terminal end of the partition member and each first opposed end of the linking members forming a first pivotable coupling, each first terminal end of the partition members and each second opposed end of the linking member forming a second pivotable coupling, the privacy booth being operable between a deployed state, in which adjacent partition members are spaced-apart to define a respective compartment therebetween, and a storage state in which adjacent partition members are substantially parallel with one another, and preferably flat packed against one another.

Abstract: An accessory for profiles used for making frames for sliding windows or doors comprising, amongst other things, a fixed frame formed by two crosspieces and two stiles; the profile forming the first lower crosspiece comprises two sliding tracks, parallel with one another, presented by a lower base body, and heat insulation elements; this profile having an element for connecting and joining two halves of the profile, transversally separate relative to the length of the tracks and together forming the whole of the lower crosspiece; this connecting and joining element also has heat insulation properties.

Abstract: A parapet wall cover system includes a clip support, at least one spring support clip and a cover channel. The at least one spring support clip is attached to a top of the clip support channel. The cover channel includes a top surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The parapet cover system is preferably attached to a parapet wall in the following manner. The clip support is attached to a top of the parapet wall. The at least one spring support clip is secured to the clip support. The cover channel is pushed on to either the clip support channel or the at least one spring support clip and is retained thereby. A vented parapet cover system includes a perforated clip support. A perforated closure may be substituted for the perforated support channel.

Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.

Abstract: A system for connecting modular walls includes a position retention mechanism configured to releasably retain a plurality of wall modules together. In one implementation, the position retention mechanism includes opposing front and back surfaces or walls, and one or more channels formed therebetween. The position retention mechanism is further configured with a plurality of spring tabs positioned within the one or more channels, wherein the spring tabs are configured to lock into a plurality of opposing connector interfaces corresponding to the opposing wall modules, such that the positioning retaining mechanism secures adjacent, opposing wall modules together. The position retention mechanism can further be configured with different surfaces to connect or hold a variety of components of various shapes together.